For the fourth time in the 2017-18 season presented by Community First Credit Union, the Jacksonville Icemen (4-11-2-1, 11 pts) take on the Atlanta Gladiators (11-8-1-1, 24 pts). The puck drops tonight at the Infinite Energy Arena in Duluth, Georgia at 7:05 p.m.
Despite falling in a shootout and overtime the past two games, the Icemen are rolling offensively. With Alexandre Goulet and captain Garet Hunt back in the lineup, Jacksonville is loaded with scoring threats. In fact, Goulet has collected at least one point in every game he's played except for one time this year. Garet Hunt is coming off a three-point game Saturday against Norfolk, including two goals in the first period.
Atlanta is entering its fourth straight home game tonight. The Gladiators have been able to play consistent hockey through all three periods so far this season. Atlanta has a total -2 goal differential overall, including overtime periods and shootouts. It's been a struggle for the Gladiators at home this year. In 11 games, the team is 4-5-1-1 compared to a 7-3-0-0 mark on the road.
Jacksonville will look to keep the power play rolling tonight after a slow start to the season. The Icemen have scored three times in the past three games on the man advantage, a promising sign for a young team. Atlanta sits 17th in the league standings on the power play at Infinite Energy Arena.
Tune in tonight on ECHL TV or listen live here as the puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 4-11-2-1 (7th in South division)
Atlanta Gladiators: 11-8-1-1 (4th in South division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 6/69 – 8.7% (27th in ECHL)
Gladiators: 16/91 – 17.6% (12th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 69/84 – 82.1% (14th in ECHL)
Gladiators: 71/90 – 78.9% (22nd in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#15 F Alexandre Goulet (JAX)
7G, 11A – 18 Pts, +6 Rating
In his three games back since returning from injury, Goulet has tallied four assists. It’s only a matter of time before the forward is back in the goal column.
#19 F Alex Gacek (ATL)
8G, 7A – 15 Pts, -5 Rating
The last time these two teams played, Alex Gacek scored the game-winning goal in a 4-2 victory for the Gladiators.
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